Aftermarket

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By duPont REGISTRY – September 07, 2025

duPont REGISTRY Talks: Porsche Restoration and Racing Mas...

duPont REGISTRY Talks presents a captivating episode with DAS Sport, where Porsche racing, bespoke restoration, custom fabrication, and motorsport heritage take center stage. Founded in 1992 by Bill and Colin Dougherty in West Chester, Pennsylvania, DAS Sport has earned a sterling reputation among Porsche aficionados. Their expertise spans classic 911 restorations, endurance race preparation, and precision fabrication services. As Colin Dougherty shares in the episode, their legacy began in a small family shop and grew into a trusted name in preserving automotive icons. Gain vivid insights direct from the DAS Sport workshop in Florida – where passion meets engineering excellence. Whether resurrecting a vintage air-cooled coupe or configuring a modern GT3 Cup car for endurance racing, DAS Sport blends meticulous craftsmanship with motorsport precision.The episode also highlights DAS Sport’s pivotal role in maintaining and showcasing Porsche legends at events like the Rolex Monterey Reunion. Colin reveals how they bring authenticity and performance to celebrated racing machinery, preserving not just metal, but stories and legacy. Meantime, Gary Stanberry recounts how he became a partner in the business, via getting to the bottom of an issue he thought he had with a Porsche Cup car he bought to race. Now he's become an integral part to DAS Sport's story. Hosted by duPont REGISTRY’s Editor-in-Chief Charles Bradley, this 44-minute discussion goes beyond technicalities. It delves into the enduring cultural significance of Porsche racing – touching on collector values, the joy in engineering artistry, and the emotional bond between enthusiasts and marque history. For luxury-car collectors, restoration clients, and motorsport devotees, the episode is both an education and an inspiration. It underscores how heritage, performance, and bespoke craftsmanship converge in rare Porsche automobiles – and how DAS Sport is leading that tradition. Tune in to duPont REGISTRY Talks: Porsche Restoration and Racing Mastery with DAS Sport, available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. Experience the dedication behind automotive preservation and the revival of Porsche’s storied racing soul. Visit duPont REGISTRY.com " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2021

Hennessey Venom F5 Aerodynamic Testing By A Legendary Eng...

John & John are at it again Dropping big power into a small car is a great way to have fun, but you need to make sure its safe at high speeds. For the latest supercar by John Hennessey and his team, there was only 1 driver they trust. As a veteran Corvette racer and former leader of GM Performance, John Heinricy is credited with the Z06, ZR1 & Camaro 1LE projects along with the Cadillac CTS-V. For a quick refresher, the Hennessey Venom F5 is the successor to the wild Venom GT. Making use of their own bespoke V8, their goal is for a top speed well over 300 mph. Just as the Venom GT brought the production Land Speed Record back to the U.S. the F5 is poised to offer 1,817 horsepower in a car that only weighs 2,998 lbs. Click the button to join in their 30th-anniversary celebration and stay with us for all your Hennessey news. Learn More Image (C) Hennessey Performance

By Andrew Nabors – May 29, 2020

Hennessey Performance Design Director Explains Their Uniq...

As a great way to start the weekend, Alex filmed a tour of what Hennessey Performance has in the shop. But the real treat is an interview with Nathan Malanick, Design Director for Performance and Special Vehicles (most notably the Venom F5). His notion of a perfect interior does without distractions like touchscreens in the dash. Not only do they force you to take your eyes off the road, but the tactile feedback of machined metals knobs and switches are also gratifying and timeless. Top 50 Best Exotic Cars And Supercars of All time They discuss the finer points of a Lamborghini Huracan before the drivetrain receives twin turbos, intercoolers, upgraded oil systems, and everything else needed to make 912 horsepower. Click the button below to find your own Huracan and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2020

New BRABUS Documentary Takes You Behind The Scenes Of The...

The Frankfurt Auto Show was an unprecedented success last year, so we decided to visit BRABUS Headquarters in Bottrop, Germany. They have been our client for over 3 decades, building the ultimate examples of Mercedes-Benz and AMG models. We spent a week with their automotive, aircraft, and marine divisions. We saw as much as they would allow, but a camera crew would have been imposing on their hospitality. That's why we are happy to share the latest documentary from Welt. They are a popular YouTube channel that focuses on history and technology, both of which are in abundance at BRABUS. What you are about to see is unprecedented in the aftermarket, so tell us which BRABUS model you like most in the comments below. Browse BRABUS For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2020

Hennessey Performance Vlog Episode 2

Working for your parents can be stressful, but John Hennessy's daughter Emma is making a great career managing their social media accounts. In her latest film, we get to see several builds in process along with commentary from their skilled technicians. We are also witness to a happy customer taking delivery and riding shotgun with test driver Alex Roys. Not only is he the operations manager, he is also Emma's husband. Tell us which build you like best in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2020

Formula 1 Launches Virtual Grand Prix Series

With the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix, an unnamed team member has tested positive for the virus. In order to keep the action going, the next race in Bahrain will take place online. This is a new era for motorsports as Formula 1 launches their virtual Grand Prix Series. Drivers will compete on the official F1 2019 PC game, developed by Codemasters. The race has been cut in half to only 28 laps, and it will be hosted by Gfinity Esports Arena starting at 4PM Eastern Time on Sunday. " width="680"> Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2020

Quibi Previews "Elba vs Block"

You will have a new option for entertainment on April 6th. It will be the debut of Quibi, a new streaming service focused on action-packed shows with episodes running 10 minutes or less. The L.A. based startup has already raised enough capital to carry them through the year, and they have backing from many prominent studios. The most exciting news came this morning, as Quibi previewed "Elba vs Block". Idris Elba is an English actor, writer, producer & musician. His opponent is the undisputed king of adrenaline-filled motorsports. Calm & cool meets controlled chaos- It's going to be epic! " width="680"> Browse Used Sports Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2020

Rob Dahm and the World's First 1000 HP AWD Billet 4-Rotor...

Rob Dahm has been hard at work creating a wild billet 4 rotor RX-7 for a long time. He has been documenting the process from start to finish on his YouTube channel and has kept everyone waiting for the next video update. His latest update was one of, if not the most, exciting one yet. In the video, found below, he takes his wild RX-7 for some dyno testing. After quite a few runs, Dahm and his team knew they could push the RX-7 to over 1,000 horsepower. Then... it happened on the final run. The heat wrap exploded, wheels stopped and screen read a power output of 1,014 horsepower. This readout made Dahm's RX-7 the world's first 1000 HP AWD Billet 4-Rotor RX-7. Honestly, Dahm and his team deserve a serious round of applause. This has been an awesome project to see come together and we can't wait to see where it goes next. SEE ALL RX-7 FOR SALE " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 19, 2020

Jetman Dubai Soars to New Heights

Vince Reffet got tired of waiting at the airport. Instead of chartering his own private flight, he strapped a new JetWing to his back. As part of Dubai's Expo 2020, he hovered for the camera before turning skyward. His altitudes reached are as follows: 328 Feet in 8 Seconds 656 Feet in 12 Seconds 1,640 Feet in 19 Seconds 3,280 Feet in 30 Seconds 2020 Private Aviation Guide With 15 minutes of fuel, you could potentially leave the scene of an accident, escape from jail, or allow a Coyote to catch an animated Roadrunner. We reached out to the ACME rocket company for their response, but they declined to comment. Tell us how you would use your JetWing in the comments below. Browse Supercars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2020

2020 Chevrolet Xtreme by SVE

Chevrolet designed the Colorado to handle anything you can throw at it. As one of the most popular mid-size trucks on the market. Sure, they could have dropped a V8 into it, but the 3.6L is a smooth & reliable V6. We know that it can handle massive boost, clearly evident in the Cadillac ATS-V. To that is why Ed Hamburger and his team have unveiled the 2020 Chevrolet Extreme by Specialty Vehicle Engineering. 2019 GMC Syclone Unveiled at duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee Ed is a legendary drag racer who retired to build street-legal cars & trucks with more power and styling than the factory thought possible. The brains behind the Pontiac Firehawk and the 96-02 Camaro SS, his most recent achievement was the revival of the GMC Syclone. After patenting a new supercharger, both the Syclone and the extreme offer 455 horsepower, 425 lb-ft of torque & All Wheel Drive. The blower uses a vicious drive to remain silent while providing incredible boost. Other goodies include full-length ladder bars, massive front & rear sway bars, and a 2"/5" drop kit. SVE's optional brakes measure 13.6" and they easily fit under the standard 20x9 wheels. Just like the Syclone, the Extreme is 50-state legal and backed by a 3 year/36k warranty. Serviceable at any GM dealer, they put the fun back in midsize trucks! Check out their latest builds in our booth at the Amelia Island Concours, we'll see you there! Custom Sports Cars For Sale https://www.facebook.com/SpecialtyVehicleEngineering/videos/173191060638426/

Aftermarket

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe